Kim Beazley's Canberra visit fuels speculation on who'll replace him as ambassador to US

Chief political correspondent

Kim Beazley, Australian ambassador to the United States, pictured in his study in Washington DC, is visiting Canberra. Photo: Supplied

Australia's ambassador to Washington, former Labor leader Kim Beazley is in Australia for what has been officially described as a ''routine visit''.

The two-time Labor leader who came close to winning the 1998 election but never became prime minister, met with the man who did, Prime Minister Tony Abbott, in Canberra on Thursday morning.

He also had talks with his direct boss and fellow West Australian, Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop.

The respected internationalist recently had his term extended despite his Labor Party roots, although speculation about his eventual replacement in the plum post continues.

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While the government has played down the Australian meetings, his attendance has fuelled that speculation.

Mr Beazley was appointed to the role, regarded as the most senior diplomatic posting, in 2010 by the Rudd government.

His three-year term was extended to December 2014 by the currently government and it has not ruled out re-appointing him at the emd of that. However, it is also possible that another high-profile ex-politician or even, one currently serving, such as Malcolm Turnbull, could be named.

Former foreign affairs minister Alexander Downer was among the names being mentioned but has instead been marked down for the other prime posting, that of High Commissioner in London.